Gareth Southgate has issued an unnerving update after seeing Joe Gomez hobble off during England’s friendly against the Netherlands.
The Liverpool defender raised concerns on Merseyside after suffering an ankle injury whilst landing awkwardly from a tough aerial challenge.
Visibly in pain, Gomez received on-field treatment before swiftly heading down the tunnel for further observation and being replaced by Harry Maguire.
The nature of the collision immediately pointed towards possible ligament damage, although further examination will determine the full extent.
Speaking after the game, England manager Southgate told BBC Sport: “We need to have a closer look. We didn’t like the way he landed, he was knocked in the air. We don’t know at the moment, we need to check that,” as cited by Liverpoolfc.com.
SEE MORE: Liverpool man slapped with £220,000 licence punishment fine
A sparkling season as a prominent figure for the Reds and a superb performance up against Neymar and Brazil on his first international start in November 2017 has propelled Gomez into unlikely World Cup contention.
Though he has featured consistently at right-back under Jurgen Klopp, the 20-year-old has been tested by Southgate in his favoured centre-back role as part of a defensive trio during the early stages of his senior international career.
His composure on the ball and athleticism is expected to eventually see his undergo the same transition at Anfield as a potential long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk.
Any lengthy injury layoff would be a cruel blow to an already-accomplished campaign and his chances of securing a seat on the plane to Russia this summer.